Beertopia: Rogue’s Bacon Maple Ale

As a short refresher, this column reviews a beer based on aroma, appearance, taste and palate (mouthfeel). At the end of each review, we will score the beer based on a five-star system.This is part 2 of the series. For part 1, click here.

There’s definitely one thing you can say about Rogue Ales: They’re not afraid to try new things. This mentality often leads to really great and interesting beers, but, as with any attempt at innovation, there’s always the possibility for failure.

For their Bacon Maple Ale, Rogue teamed up with Voodoo Doughnut, a one-of-a-kind doughnut shop based in Oregon. Upon seeing the Bacon Maple Ale, I was instantly aghast and filled with intrigue. Bacon and maple in a beer?!?! Needless to say, I couldn’t resist trying it.

When you crack open the 750 ml, you’re instantly hit with a pleasant syrup aroma with a hint of smoke, as if you have a plate of freshly-made pancakes in front of you. The beer pours a hazy copper color with a large head initially, but it quickly dissolves. All good so far.

Your first sip of the beer isn’t what you’d expect, only because there really isn’t any bacon flavor whatsoever. There are hints of maple and a bit of sweetness, but for the most part it’s just bland. It has a medium-light body and isn’t overly carbonated. The finish is a little bitter and on the dry side, but overall there isn’t much going on here.

I didn’t pair this beer with anything, but Rogue’s website says that it goes well with pork and doughnuts. While I am usually a fan of Rogue’s stuff, this beer didn’t do much for me. It’s interesting as a novelty beer and certainly worth a try, but I’m guessing it won’t be something you drink regularly after that.